Page 44 of Tall, Royal and Grumpy

“How? You seem to be forgetting the part where I ran from him. He probably thinks I’m a freak now.”

“Oh, I can tell you with full confidence he doesn’t. Though he was a bit annoyed.”

“See.”

Prince Arsh shook his head once. “No, not because of your confession. He seemed annoyed at you.”

My shoulders sunk. “How is that any better?”

He chuckled lightly and shook his head again. “Esmeralda, my dear, you’re not understanding what I’m saying. Kai was annoyed because you chose to walk around the table and sit next to Fay at breakfast instead of in the empty seat next to him.”

I didn’t believe him. “You don’t know that.”

“Yes, I do. Esmeralda, he’s been watching you all day.”

My stomach swooped low. There was no way that was true…

“I can see you’re not convinced, but it’s true. He couldn’t take his eyes off you. Everywhere you went he was watching you. I half expected him to chase you when you left him in the hallway earlier.”

I didn’t want to hope. But I was. “Are you sure?”

He ruffled my hair affectionately. “Yes. Trust me, I know my nephew. So, I wouldn’t let this little blip keep you from facing him if I were you.”

My shoulders relaxed as I eyed Prince Arsh. “Thank you, but…why are you helping me?”

His smile turned lop-sided and mischievous. “Because I’m a romantic at heart and an absolute sucker for young love.” He shrugged. “That, and it’s been a while since anything interesting has happened in my quiet life, and I’m a nosey old man who wants to be involved in it.”

I grinned. “Fair enough. But I’m not sure I’m ready to face Kai just yet.”

“That’s okay.” He rested his hand atop my head. “Though, he hasn’t left his office since we returned, so you probably don’t need to hide so earnestly from him.”

* * *

Kai

What does it mean when a girl says she likes you but then runs off after?

Candy

hahahahaha

Pierre

who who who who

Candy

she realised how ugly you were

Pierre

do I know her

Trevor

said it to the wrong person

Zain

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